The Science of Love: The Benjamin Franklin Effect

Key Concept: The Benjamin Franklin Effect

• Definition: The more effort you invest in someone, the more you tend to like them.
• Implication: If you do everything for someone, you remove their opportunity to invest in the relationship.

Experiment Setup

• Objective: Demonstrate how investment affects attraction.
• Participants: Couples were brought in to participate.
• Procedure:
  • Each participant took a 30-question test to measure mutual attraction.
  • One partner was asked to leave the room.
  • Remaining partner performed three acts:
    1. Wrote a heartfelt message on a sign.
    2. Listed five things they liked about their partner.
    3. Offered their partner a drink using a bullhorn.

Findings

• Results: Participants who engaged in acts of kindness became up to 5% more attracted to their partners.
• Conclusion: While kind actions increase attraction, it's crucial to allow both partners to contribute to the relationship.

Recommendations

• Balanced Effort: Allow your partner to also invest in the relationship.
• Shared Responsibilities: Don't always pay the bill or drive; let your partner contribute.
• Mutual Investment: Essential for both budding and long-term relationships.

Final Thoughts

• Message: Encourage a balanced dynamic where both partners have the opportunity to invest in each other.
• Call to Action: "Give your partner a chance to contribute to it."

Presented by Julian on The Science of Love, SoulPancake.

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